But it’s tough to know for sure. As we often hear this time of year, Orkin’s methodology is somewhat flawed. It may just be that reported encounters are rising. Instead of actual rat population counts, the list is ranked based on the number of rodent treatments Orkin performed over the last year. Given that, it could be even worse than the list portends. Those nests inside of cars and scurrying sidewalk encounters may not event count.

The company issues the list to remind everyone that October is the annual start of rodent season, so exercise appropriate caution accordingly.